107 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101 USA 815/968.0123

For 15 years J. R. Kortman Center for Design has been featuring hand-painted ornaments depicting Rockford landmarks. To celebrate this milestone year, the Kortman Gallery will be presenting a group holiday exhibition simply titled, “Landmarks,” opening Friday, November 23rd. Twenty-four of some of Rockford’s most accomplished artists will show works inspired by landmarks featured in the Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection.

Each artist was given a blank 7” by 7” shadow box and assigned an ornament representing a local landmark. The artists were asked to create a piece of art, inspired by the landmark, that would fit within the 7” by 7” space. “Since this is a special holiday show, we wanted this exhibit to feature small scale art, so the shadow box constrains the size of each piece,” said Doc Slafkosky, gallery director. “Each work of art will be displayed next to the corresponding Rockford Landmark Ornament creating two very special holiday treasures.” Whoever purchases the art will also receive the ornament that inspired the art.

Landmarks that inspired the artists include Sinnissippi Lagoon, the Faust, Symbol, Anderson Gardens, the Coronado and Midway Theaters, NIcholas Conservatory and more,

“The exhibit is the final in a series of art shows influenced by local architecture,” Slafkosky said. “Last holiday season we presented ‘The Wright Inspiration’ with art inspired by the Laurent House, and our previous show ‘Urban Treasures: Renaissance through Imagination’ presented works influenced by four historic downtown buildings.”

An opening reception for “Landmarks,” will be Friday, November 23rd from 5:30 to 9pm. The art will be on display through January 5th, 2013. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

J. R. Kortman Center for Design

J. R. Kortman Center for Design and The Kortman Gallery, founded in 1986 by Doc Slafkosky and Jerry Kortman, are located in an historic Barloga building at 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford, Illinois USA. The store, located on the first floor, presents intriguing objects from around the world with an emphasis on great design. Alessi of Italy is one of the featured lines, along with art glass, jewelry, toys, folk art...and other fascinating home and personal accessories. The second floor is the Kortman Gallery with fine art exhibitions that change every 6 to 8 weeks presenting the works of local, regional, and even international artists. The gallery also hosts a small book & wine department with books on art, design and popular culture. Store & Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm. Telephone 815.968.0123.